This Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter is a lovely way to enjoy the sweet taste of peaches. You simply toss fresh peaches and sugar into a crockpot and let it cook slowly until it’s thick and spreadable!
What I love about this recipe is how easy it is! Just set it and forget it while the wonderful peach smell fills my kitchen. Spread it on toast and enjoy a taste of summer any time! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for the best flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, you can use frozen peaches—just thaw and drain them before adding to the crockpot. Canned peaches can also work but make sure to choose those without added sugar.
Sugars: I use a mix of granulated and brown sugar for a nice depth of flavor. If you’re looking for healthier options, try using honey or maple syrup instead. Just remember to adjust the amount to taste since they are sweeter than sugar!
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt bring warmth and complexity to the peach butter. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preferences or leave some out if you want a simpler taste.
Lemon Juice: This helps balance sweetness and keeps the fresh peach color vibrant. If you’re out of lemon, try using lime juice, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for a slight tang!
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for My Peach Butter?
The key to getting peach butter just right is all about cooking time and texture. Start by cooking the peach mixture on low for 8 to 10 hours to really break down the peaches and meld the flavors. After blending it, you’ll want to continue cooking it uncovered. This extra step thickens the mixture and intensifies the flavor.
- When pureeing, don’t rush! Blend until smooth to eliminate any chunks.
- Keep an eye on it during the last cooking stage. Stir regularly to avoid any sticking to the bottom.
- If you find it’s too thick, stir in a bit of water or fruit juice to loosen it up.
Achieving the right consistency takes a little patience, but the result is a beautifully spreadable peach butter that you’ll love!
Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds fresh ripe peaches (about 8-10 large peaches), peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time plus 8 to 10 hours of cooking time in the crockpot. You’ll need an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour for thickening after blending. So overall, plan for around 9 to 11 hours from start to finish, including cooking and cooling!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
Start by peeling, pitting, and slicing the peaches into chunks. Fresh, ripe peaches are key for a delicious flavor, so pick ones that are sweet and fragrant!
2. Mix Everything in the Crockpot:
Place the sliced peaches into your crockpot. Then add all the other ingredients: granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is mixed well.
3. Cook the Peach Mixture:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Stir it occasionally if you can to help the flavors meld together, but it’s not essential.
4. Puree the Mixture:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer it in batches to a regular blender or food processor—just be cautious of the hot mixture!
5. Thicken the Peach Butter:
After blending, uncover the crockpot and continue to cook the peach butter on low for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step is essential for thickening it up to your desired consistency, so keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
6. Cool and Store:
Once it’s thickened, remove the crockpot from the heat and let the peach butter cool slightly. Transfer it into sterilized jars or airtight containers while it’s still warm. If you plan to store it longer than a couple of weeks, consider processing it in a water bath canner.
7. Enjoy:
Your homemade peach butter is now ready! You can refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. It’s wonderful spread on toast, biscuits, or served over yogurt and desserts!
Enjoy your delicious homemade crockpot peach butter! It’s perfect for any time of year! 🥞🍑
FAQ for Easy Homemade Crockpot Peach Butter
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the crockpot. This way, you’ll maintain the right consistency and flavor.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet peach butter, feel free to reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar. Start with half the amount and taste the peach mixture before adding more sugar during the cooking process. Remember that the cooking will concentrate the sweetness, so adjust according to your personal taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can process it in a water bath canner to preserve it for several months!
Can I Add Other Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding other spices, such as vanilla extract or ginger, or even other fruits like raspberries or blueberries to create unique flavor combinations. Just remember to adjust the sugar to balance the flavors!
